

Marie's Garden Blog
Tips, trips, and garden tricks


Grasse: A visit to the Musée International de la Parfumerie (MIP)
FranceGrasse, France, just an hour west of Nice, is often described—quite rightly—as the world’s capital of perfume. Since 2018, its…

Camellias in Winter: Four Gardens to Visit in Porto
PortugalThere's something quietly captivating about the camellia in winter. Unlike roses or rhododendrons, a camellia doesn’t shed its petals one…

Ireland: Two Favorite Gardens from My First Scouting Trip
IrelandLast October, I finally set out to explore the gardens of Ireland. October is not, strictly speaking, considered prime garden-visiting…

Managing Expectations: Serre de la Madone in Menton
France, TipsThere's something magical about planning a visit to a garden you've long admired. You imagine the scents, the colors, the…

How Fit Do You Need to Be for a Garden Tour?
General, TipsA bit of practical advice, a little story—and how to make sure you're ready to be able to enjoy every…

Chateau de Freÿr: A Belgian Take on French Garden Design
BelgiumThis past summer I stayed close to home, in Belgium, and took the opportunity to revisit old favorites. Chateau of…

The Gardens of Annevoie: The Quiet Magic of Water
BelgiumSummer at home is a rare treat for me—a chance to revisit favorite gardens in my own backyard. Recently, I…

Palacio da Bacalhôa: A Hidden Gem in Azeitão
PortugalWhen planning garden tours to Portugal, there’s a place I nearly always include in our itinerary. It’s not the biggest…










